Full History Of Mike Huckabee In Timeline From 1923

1923: Birth of Dorsey Wiles Huckabee

Mike Huckabee's father, Dorsey Wiles Huckabee, was born in 1923.

1925: Birth of Mae Huckabee

Mike Huckabee's mother, Mae (Elder) Huckabee, was born in 1925.

August 24, 1955: Birth of Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee was born on August 24, 1955.

1955: Beginning of Orval Faubus's Governorship

Orval Faubus began his tenure as governor of Arkansas in 1955, eventually serving six consecutive two-year terms. This period predates Mike Huckabee's time as governor and is mentioned in comparison to Huckabee's tenure length.

1967: End of Orval Faubus's Governorship

In 1967, Orval Faubus concluded his twelve years as governor of Arkansas, marking the end of his six consecutive terms. This historical context is presented in relation to the tenures of later Arkansas governors, including Mike Huckabee.

1967: Start of Britt's Lieutenant Governorship

The first Republican since Reconstruction, Maurice Britt, became lieutenant governor in 1967.

1971: End of Britt's Lieutenant Governorship

Maurice Britt's time as lieutenant governor ended in 1971.

1971: Student Council Vice President

Mike Huckabee served as student council vice president at Hope High School during the 1971-1972 school year.

1972: Early Career and Ministry

In 1972, Mike Huckabee entered the ministry and was elected governor of Boys State.

1973: Student Council President

Mike Huckabee served as student council president at Hope High School during the 1972-1973 school year.

May 25, 1974: Marriage to Janet McCain

Mike Huckabee married Janet McCain on May 25, 1974.

May 8, 1978: Graduation from Ouachita Baptist University

Mike Huckabee graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in religion on May 8, 1978.

1979: Beginning of Bill Clinton's First Term as Governor

Bill Clinton commenced his first term as governor of Arkansas in 1979. He would later serve a non-consecutive second term, ultimately serving a total of over eleven years. This information is presented alongside the gubernatorial tenures of other Arkansas governors like Mike Huckabee for comparison.

1980: Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church

Mike Huckabee served as pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, from 1980 to 1986.

1981: End of Bill Clinton's First Term as Governor

Bill Clinton's initial term as Arkansas governor concluded in 1981. This marked the end of his first term before being elected for a second term later. This information is presented as part of the historical context of Arkansas governorships, including that of Mike Huckabee.

1983: Beginning of Bill Clinton's Second Term as Governor

Bill Clinton started his second term as Arkansas governor in 1983 after being re-elected following his initial term. This period is part of his overall tenure exceeding eleven years. This information is provided in the context of comparing gubernatorial terms, including Mike Huckabee's time in office.

1986: Defense Spending Under Reagan

In 1986, under President Ronald Reagan, U.S. defense spending was approximately 6% of the GDP. This figure was used by Mike Huckabee in 2007 as a benchmark for his own calls for increased defense spending.

1986: Pastor at Beech Street First Baptist Church

Mike Huckabee became pastor at Beech Street First Baptist Church in Texarkana in 1986.

1988: Christian Coalition of America Founded

The Christian Coalition of America, a prominent organization involved in American politics, was founded in 1988 by Pat Robertson. This context is relevant to Mike Huckabee's campaign as he received support from figures associated with the Christian Coalition in his 2008 presidential run.

1989: President of Arkansas Baptist State Convention

Mike Huckabee became president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in 1989.

1991: Honorary Doctorate from John Brown University

Mike Huckabee received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from John Brown University in 1991.

1991: End of Presidency

Mike Huckabee's term as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention ended in 1991.

1992: End of Bill Clinton's Second Term as Governor

In 1992, Bill Clinton's second term as governor of Arkansas concluded, marking the end of his time as governor before becoming president. This event is mentioned in comparison to the tenure lengths of other Arkansas governors, such as Mike Huckabee.

1992: End of Pastorate

Mike Huckabee ended his time as a pastor in 1992.

1992: Loss in Senate Race

Mike Huckabee lost to Dale Bumpers in the 1992 Arkansas Senate race.

1992: Honorary Doctorate from Ouachita Baptist University

Mike Huckabee received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Ouachita Baptist University in 1992.

1993: Advised by Dick Morris

Dick Morris advised Mike Huckabee on his 1993 lieutenant governor race.

1993: Elected Lieutenant Governor

Mike Huckabee was elected lieutenant governor of Arkansas in a special election in 1993.

April 1994: Withdrawal from CofCC Event

In April 1994, Huckabee withdrew from a speaking engagement with the Council of Conservative Citizens due to controversy surrounding the group.

1994: Advised by Dick Morris

Dick Morris advised Mike Huckabee on his 1994 reelection campaign for lieutenant governor.

1994: Re-elected Lieutenant Governor

Mike Huckabee was re-elected as lieutenant governor in 1994.

October 1995: Runs for Senate, then Drops Out

In October 1995, Huckabee initially ran for the U.S. Senate but dropped out after Governor Tucker's resignation.

January 1996: Campaigns Against Referendum

In January 1996, Huckabee campaigned against a highway referendum proposed by Governor Tucker.

May 1996: Huckabee Becomes Governor of Arkansas

In May 1996, following the conviction and subsequent resignation of Governor Jim Guy Tucker, Mike Huckabee became the governor of Arkansas. Tucker's resignation was prompted by his conviction on fraud charges related to the Whitewater controversy. Initially, Tucker rescinded his resignation, leading Huckabee and the legislature to threaten impeachment proceedings. Tucker ultimately resigned, paving the way for Huckabee to be sworn in.

1996: Beginning of Governorship

Mike Huckabee became the 44th governor of Arkansas in 1996.

1996: Death of Dorsey Wiles Huckabee

Mike Huckabee's father, Dorsey Wiles Huckabee, passed away in 1996.

November 1998: Huckabee Wins Full Gubernatorial Term

In November 1998, Mike Huckabee secured a full four-year term as Arkansas governor, defeating Democratic candidate Bill Bristow. This marked his first full term election as governor, having previously assumed the position following Jim Guy Tucker's resignation.

1998: Advised by Dick Morris

Dick Morris advised Mike Huckabee on his 1998 gubernatorial race.

1998: Huckabee's "Christian Nation" Comment

In 1998, Mike Huckabee made a statement expressing his hope for the U.S. to be a "Christian nation." This comment later became a subject of discussion and scrutiny during his 2008 presidential campaign, particularly concerning the role of faith in his political views.

1998: Huckabee's Gubernatorial Win and African-American Vote

In 1998, Mike Huckabee won the Arkansas gubernatorial race, with exit polls suggesting he received 48% of the African-American vote, a figure often disputed due to sample size.

1998: Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card

Mike Huckabee received a B grade from the Cato Institute's Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors in 1998.

1999: Chair of the Southern Governors' Association

Mike Huckabee became the chair of the Southern Governors' Association in 1999.

1999: Death of Mae Huckabee

Mike Huckabee's mother, Mae (Elder) Huckabee, passed away in 1999.

2000: Huckabee Commutes Sentence of Maurice Clemmons

In 2000, Mike Huckabee commuted the sentence of Maurice Clemmons, who had been convicted of burglary as a teenager. The commutation, based on a unanimous recommendation, made Clemmons eligible for parole. Subsequent events, including Clemmons's later crimes and murder of four police officers, would bring this decision under intense scrutiny.

2000: Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card

In 2000, Mike Huckabee received a C grade on the Cato Institute's Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors.

2000: Service as Chair of the Southern Governors' Association

Mike Huckabee served as the Chair of the Southern Governors' Association through the year 2000.

January 2001: Performance at Unofficial Inaugural Balls

In January 2001, Huckabee's band, Capitol Offense, played at unofficial inaugural balls in Washington, D.C.

2001: Huckabee Named "Friend of a Taxpayer"

In 2001, Mike Huckabee was recognized as a "Friend of a Taxpayer" by Americans for Tax Reform, acknowledging his efforts in reducing statewide spending.

November 2002: Huckabee Re-elected for Second Term

Mike Huckabee was re-elected for a second four-year term as Arkansas governor in November 2002, winning against State Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher. This victory occurred despite the concurrent defeat of fellow Republican U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson in the general election.

2002: Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card

Mike Huckabee received a grade of C in the Cato Institute's Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors in 2002.

2003: Diabetes Diagnosis and Weight Loss Journey

In 2003, Mike Huckabee was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and told he had approximately 10 years to live if he didn't lose weight. This diagnosis, along with the death of former Governor Frank D. White, motivated Huckabee to adopt a healthier lifestyle, resulting in a significant weight loss.

July 2004: Huckabee Advocates for Exposure to Creationism in Schools

In July 2004, Mike Huckabee expressed his support for students being exposed to creationism alongside the theory of evolution.

2004: Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card

Mike Huckabee received a D grade in the 2004 Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors.

2005: Huckabee Recognized for Leadership

In 2005, Mike Huckabee received significant recognition for his leadership as governor, particularly for Arkansas's response to Hurricane Katrina. Time magazine named him one of the five best governors in the U.S., praising his energy and innovation. He was also honored as one of Governing magazine's Public Officials of the Year and received the APHA Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award.

2005: Marathon Runs and Weight Loss Advocacy

Throughout 2005, Huckabee completed several marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon and the Little Rock Marathon. He notably beat Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack in the Little Rock Marathon. His weight loss journey was chronicled in his book, "Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork."

2006: Honorary Member of Tau Kappa Epsilon

In 2006, Mike Huckabee became an honorary member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity, partly due to his son David's involvement with the fraternity at Arkansas State University.

2006: Huckabee Outlaws Same-Sex Marriage in Arkansas

In 2006, Mike Huckabee outlawed same-sex marriage in Arkansas.

2006: Marathon Runs, AARP Award

In 2006, Mike Huckabee ran the Little Rock and New York City marathons. He also received an AARP Impact Award for his health advocacy.

2006: Cato Institute Fiscal Policy Report Card

In 2006, Mike Huckabee received an F grade from the Cato Institute on their Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors.

2006: Huckabee Receives AARP Impact Award

In 2006, Mike Huckabee received the AARP's Impact Award, recognizing his contributions to health initiatives during his time as governor of Arkansas.

January 28, 2007: Huckabee Announces Presidential Run

Mike Huckabee officially announced his candidacy for the White House on January 28, 2007, during an appearance on Meet the Press.

August 2007: Stance on Federal Smoking Ban

At a cancer forum hosted by Lance Armstrong in August 2007, Mike Huckabee initially expressed support for a federal smoking ban, but later stated he believed the issue should be handled at state and local levels.

November 2007: Huckabee Garners Religious Support and Faces Scrutiny

In November 2007, Mike Huckabee gained endorsements from numerous religious activists but faced scrutiny regarding the intersection of his faith and politics. His use of religious symbolism in a campaign ad and past comments about the U.S. being a "Christian nation" drew criticism and led to questions about how faith influenced his political decisions.

2007: Huckabee Advocates for Respect for Gay Couples

Despite outlawing same-sex marriage the previous year, in 2007, Mike Huckabee called for respect for gay couples.

2007: Advocacy for Increased Defense Spending

In 2007, Mike Huckabee advocated for increased military spending, proposing a rise in defense spending to 6% of the GDP, a level comparable to 1986 under President Reagan.

2007: Music for Life Award

Mike Huckabee received the Music for Life Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) in 2007 for his advocacy of music education.

2007: End of Governorship

Mike Huckabee's term as governor of Arkansas ended in 2007.

January 3, 2008: Huckabee Wins Iowa Republican Caucuses

Mike Huckabee achieved a significant victory in the 2008 Republican presidential race by winning the Iowa caucuses on January 3, 2008. He secured 34% of the vote and 17 delegates, surpassing other contenders like Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, John McCain, and Ron Paul.

January 8, 2008: Huckabee Finishes Third in New Hampshire Primary

On January 8, 2008, Mike Huckabee finished third in the New Hampshire Republican primary. John McCain won the primary, followed by Mitt Romney in second place. Despite finishing third, Huckabee gained one delegate, bringing his total to 18 delegates earned through elections and 21 overall.

January 15, 2008: Huckabee Finishes Third in Michigan Primary

Mike Huckabee came in third place in the Michigan Republican primary on January 15, 2008. Mitt Romney secured the win, followed by John McCain, with Huckabee finishing ahead of Ron Paul in fourth place.

January 19, 2008: Huckabee Finishes Second in South Carolina Primary

Mike Huckabee finished second in the South Carolina Republican primary on January 19, 2008, behind winner John McCain. Fred Thompson came in third place in this primary.

January 21, 2008: Endorsement by African American Leaders

On January 21, 2008, Mike Huckabee received endorsements from African American leaders in Atlanta, Georgia, who supported his records on various issues as governor of Arkansas. However, NBC reported a discrepancy in the number of endorsers, noting that many were linked to conservative religious groups.

January 29, 2008: Huckabee Finishes Fourth in Florida Primary

On January 29, 2008, Mike Huckabee finished fourth in the Florida primary, trailing behind Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and John McCain.

February 5, 2008: Huckabee Wins on Super Tuesday

On February 5, 2008, Mike Huckabee won several contests during 'Super Tuesday', including the West Virginia GOP state convention. He secured victories in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and Tennessee, accumulating 156 delegates.

February 9, 2008: Kansas Caucuses and Louisiana Primary Wins

On February 9, 2008, Mike Huckabee won the Kansas Republican Caucuses with 60% of the vote. He also won the Louisiana Republican Primary, though without delegates due to state rules.

March 4, 2008: Huckabee Withdraws from Presidential Race

On March 4, 2008, Mike Huckabee withdrew from the presidential race, acknowledging his impending loss in Texas and John McCain's lead in delegates.

May 18, 2008: Consideration for Vice Presidential Candidate

On May 18, 2008, despite having other commitments, Mike Huckabee was considered a potential vice-presidential candidate for John McCain, although he was eventually not selected.

June 12, 2008: Huckabee Joins Fox News as Political Commentator

On June 12, 2008, Mike Huckabee joined Fox News as a political commentator and contributor for their 2008 presidential election coverage.

July 2008: Huckabee Fills in for Paul Harvey

In July 2008, Huckabee filled in for radio broadcaster Paul Harvey.

September 27, 2008: "Huckabee" Premieres on Fox News Channel

Mike Huckabee's weekend show, "Huckabee," premiered on Fox News Channel on September 27, 2008.

November 18, 2008: Publication of "Do The Right Thing"

Mike Huckabee's book, "Do The Right Thing: Inside the Movement That's Bringing Common Sense Back to America," was released on November 18, 2008, and became a New York Times Best Seller.

November 19, 2008: Huckabee on Future Presidential Run

On November 19, 2008, Mike Huckabee discussed the possibility of a 2012 presidential run, stating he was not ruling it out but had no specific plans yet.

December 3, 2008: Prospects of Running for President

On December 3, 2008, Mike Huckabee hinted at the possibility of being involved in the 2012 election, either for himself or another candidate.

December 2008: Huckabee Becomes Honorary Member of Tau Kappa Epsilon

In December 2008, Mike Huckabee was granted honorary membership in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He explained his lack of fraternity involvement during college was due to his accelerated academic schedule. The fraternity commended his character and initiatives as governor.

2008: Huckabee's Clemency Practices Scrutinized During Presidential Primary

During the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary, Mike Huckabee's record on clemency and pardons as Arkansas governor became a subject of controversy. While he granted more pardons and commutations than his predecessors, this practice, particularly the case of Wayne Dumond, drew criticism and national attention.

2008: First Presidential Run

In 2008, Mike Huckabee ran for the Republican Party presidential nomination.

2008: Huckabee Acknowledges Obama's Historic Achievement

In a speech at the 2008 Republican National Convention, Mike Huckabee expressed respect for Barack Obama's historic achievement as the Democratic nominee, emphasizing its significance regardless of race.

2008: 2008 Presidential Primary Results

In the 2008 Republican presidential primaries, Huckabee won the Iowa caucuses but finished second in the delegate count.

2008: Start of Fox News Show

Mike Huckabee's talk show began on Fox News in 2008.

January 2009: Huckabee Launches "The Huckabee Report"

Mike Huckabee began his daily radio commentary, "The Huckabee Report," in January 2009.

November 2009: Controversy Surrounding Clemmons Case Resurfaces

In November 2009, the case of Maurice Clemmons, whose sentence Mike Huckabee commuted in 2000, resurfaced and brought renewed scrutiny. Clemmons committed several crimes after his release, culminating in the murder of four police officers. Huckabee defended his actions, citing the unanimous recommendation for commutation and emphasizing the parole board's role in Clemmons's release.

2009: Weight Regain

In 2009, Mike Huckabee revealed that he had regained some weight due to a foot condition that prevented him from running.

July 2010: Fundraiser and Chancellor for Victory University

In July 2010, Huckabee became a fundraiser for Victory University in Memphis, Tennessee, and was named Chancellor of the Victory University Foundation.

2010: Test Run of Syndicated "The Huckabee Show"

In the summer of 2010, Fox News conducted a test run for a syndicated version of "The Huckabee Show" with various guest co-hosts.

March 4, 2011: Huckabee Comments on Natalie Portman's Pregnancy

On March 4, 2011, Mike Huckabee commented on actress Natalie Portman's out-of-wedlock pregnancy, expressing disapproval of the glamorization of such situations.

April 2011: Huckabee Praises David Barton

In April 2011, Huckabee expressed strong praise for Christian revisionist author David Barton, wishing all Americans could hear his messages.

April 2, 2012: Huckabee Launches Daily Talk Show on Cumulus Media Networks

On April 2, 2012, Mike Huckabee launched a daily talk show on Cumulus Media Networks, featuring long-form interviews and discussions.

April 2012: Start of Radio Program

Mike Huckabee began hosting "The Mike Huckabee Show" in April 2012.

November 27, 2013: Huckabee Announces End of Cumulus Media Talk Show

On November 27, 2013, Huckabee announced the end of his Cumulus Media talk show, effective December 12, 2013.

December 12, 2013: Huckabee's Cumulus Media Talk Show Concludes

Mike Huckabee's talk show on Cumulus Media Networks aired its final broadcast on December 12, 2013.

December 2013: Huckabee Ends Daily Radio Show

In December 2013, Mike Huckabee ended his daily radio show, fueling speculations about a potential presidential run in 2016.

December 2013: Huckabee Plans News Organization Launch

In December 2013, Mike Huckabee revealed plans to launch a news organization in partnership with Christian Media Corp. International.

December 2013: End of Radio Program

Mike Huckabee's radio show ended in December 2013.

January 2014: Huckabee Criticizes Federal Mandate on Contraception

In January 2014, in response to a federal mandate on contraception, Mike Huckabee stated that Democrats insult women by implying they are helpless and unable to control their reproductive systems without government assistance.

September 2014: Huckabee's Call to "Fire" Those Who Don't "Hear God's Heart"

In September 2014, Huckabee's statement urging the dismissal of those who don't listen to "God's heart" drew criticism, particularly from Richard Dawkins.

January 3, 2015: "Huckabee" on Fox News Ends

Huckabee's show on Fox News Channel concluded on January 3, 2015, as he considered a presidential run.

January 2015: Pause of Talk Show

Huckabee paused his talk show in January 2015 to explore a presidential bid.

January 2015: Huckabee Compares Homosexuality to "Lifestyle" Choices

In January 2015, Huckabee compared homosexuality to lifestyle choices like drinking and swearing. Despite this, he also stated that he has gay friends and doesn't exclude people with different viewpoints from his life.

March 30, 2015: Super PAC Launched for Huckabee's 2016 Run

On March 30, 2015, supporters of Mike Huckabee launched a Super PAC in preparation for his potential 2016 presidential campaign.

April 15, 2015: Huckabee Announces End of "The Huckabee Report"

On April 15, 2015, Mike Huckabee announced that his daily radio commentary, "The Huckabee Report," would conclude on May 1.

May 5, 2015: Huckabee Announces Presidential Campaign for 2016

On May 5, 2015, Mike Huckabee announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election in Hope, Arkansas. He criticized trade deals, opposed raising Social Security age, and asked for small monthly donations.

September 2015: Huckabee's Remarks on Dred Scott Decision

In September 2015, Mike Huckabee inaccurately claimed that the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision, which denied citizenship to Black people, was still the law of the land. This decision had been overturned by the 13th and 14th Amendments and the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

2015: Huckabee Emphasizes Outreach to Black Voters

In 2015, Mike Huckabee highlighted the importance of Republicans engaging with black voters and increased his efforts to gain their support.

2015: Huckabee on Confederate Flag and South Carolina

In 2015, Mike Huckabee stated that the Confederate flag issue was a matter for South Carolinians to decide. He later congratulated Governor Nikki Haley on her decision to remove the flag from the state capitol.

February 1, 2016: Huckabee Suspends 2016 Campaign

On February 1, 2016, after a poor performance in the Iowa caucus, Mike Huckabee suspended his presidential campaign.

June 2016: Opposition to California Senate Bill 1146

In June 2016, Huckabee joined actor Pat Boone and producer Troy Duhon in opposing California's Senate Bill 1146. They argued that the bill, intended to prevent discrimination at colleges, would infringe upon religious freedom by potentially impacting faith-based hiring practices and curriculum.

August 2016: Huckabee's Consideration for Florida Governorship

In August 2016, speculation arose about Mike Huckabee running for Florida governor in 2018. However, he later decided not to pursue the role, despite polls showing him as a leading candidate among Florida Republicans.

2016: 2016 Presidential Primary Results

Huckabee withdrew early from the 2016 Republican presidential primaries after a disappointing finish in Iowa.

2016: Meeting with Donald Trump and Declining Ambassadorship

In 2016, after ending his own presidential campaign, Mike Huckabee met with President-elect Donald Trump and reportedly declined an offer to become the United States Ambassador to Israel, stating it wasn't the right fit.

2016: Second Presidential Run

Mike Huckabee ran for the Republican Party presidential nomination a second time in 2016.

July 2017: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Becomes White House Press Secretary

In July 2017, Mike Huckabee's daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, began her role as White House Press Secretary for President Donald Trump.

October 2017: "Huckabee" Show Relaunches on Trinity Broadcasting Network

Mike Huckabee's show was relaunched in October 2017 on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

October 2017: Huckabee Show on TBN

Mike Huckabee's talk show, Huckabee, began airing on TBN in October 2017.

2017: Statements on Israeli Settlements

During a 2017 visit to the West Bank, Mike Huckabee expressed strong support for Israel, denying the existence of an occupation and referring to settlements as communities and neighborhoods. He also rejected the term "West Bank," preferring "Judea and Samaria."

January 2018: Huckabee's Qatar Trip and Undisclosed Payment

In January 2018, Mike Huckabee visited Doha, Qatar, praising its beauty and hospitality, but did not initially disclose a $50,000 payment he received from a Qatari foreign agent.

March 2019: Appointment to Kennedy Center Board of Trustees

In March 2019, Mike Huckabee was appointed to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees by President Donald Trump.

July 2019: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Concludes Role as White House Press Secretary

In July 2019, Sarah Huckabee Sanders finished serving as the White House Press Secretary.

2020: Huckabee Supports Trump's Election Challenges

Following the 2020 presidential election, Mike Huckabee supported Donald Trump's legal challenges to the results, citing the need for assurance of a fair election. He also made unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

2023: Publication of "Kids Guide to the Truth About Climate Change"

Mike Huckabee published "Kids Guide to the Truth About Climate Change" in 2023. The book downplays the impact of human activity on climate change and has been criticized for containing inaccuracies and being presented as a credible alternative to scientific consensus.